Can you guess the oldest university in the world? 

The world has witnessed wonderful universities in terms of academic quality and architectural splendor. Exploring historic and ancient universities is a subject of interest for everyone including students, architecture enthusiasts, and history lovers. Today MGC Blogs will discuss the top oldest universities in the world that are architectural marvels.

You may be familiar with Oxford, Harvard, and Al-Azhar only. However,  to your surprise, there are over 25,000 universities on the world map. Each institution holds historical significance, cultural diversity, and structural magnificence. Let’s discuss a few of them today.

• University of Al Quaraouiyine 859 AD
• Al Azhar University 972 AD
• University of Bologna 1088 AD
• University of Oxford 1096
• University of Paris  1150 AD
• University of Cambridge 1209 AD
• University of Salamanca 1218 AD

University of Al Quaraouiyine – Oldest Universities in the World

Do you know the founder of modern sociology Ibn e Khaldun graduated from the University of Al Quaraouiyine? Yes, this university has huge historical significance and interesting facts attached to it like there are more than 400,000 books in its library.  

Fez, the city of Morocco has the privilege of containing one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Al Quaraouiyine. Originally built as a mosque in 859, it was given the status of a university in 1963. 

Its architecture reflects the serenity of traditional Morroco, with intricate carvings and colorful tiles in the interior and a combination of white arches and columns in the exterior. history maniacs from around the world visit this landmark, a center of Islamic and spiritual teachings. 

Al Azhar University – Oldest Universities in the World

Do you know why it is called Al Azhar University? Well, its name is derived from Al Zahra (the luminous), the title of Hazrat Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Mohammad PBUH. Al Azhar marks the beginning of the Fatimids dynasty during which it was founded as a mosque initially. 

The famous Al-Azhar University is one of the oldest Islamic universities, recognized for centuries for its Islamic teachings. However, it has adapted to the modern and evolving world and included secular curricula like economics, medicine, science, agriculture engineering, and business. You will be amazed that Al Azhar is the world’s second-oldest degree-granting university. 

Al Azhar University is located in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. This splendid institution was built in 970 AD and ranked as one of the most significant educational institutions in the Arab world. Book lovers can dive into the sea of books by visiting the Al Azhar Library, the 2nd largest library in the world.

The architecture of Al Azhar, one of the oldest universities in the world, is profound. Looking closely at the geometric patterns and intricate calligraphy transports us back to the majestic centuries-old era.  The delicate designs on domes and minarets with calligraphy on the mihrab make it all a fascinating gem reflecting the evolving Islamic architecture. 

University of Bologna

One of the oldest universities in the world the Western side is the University of Bologna. This magnificent university was founded in 1088 AD in Italy and ranked first in the city while it is enlisted in the top five universities of Europe. The University of Bologna has a versatile program catalog with cutting-edge research and innovation for more than 90,000 students. 

University of Oxford 

You all must have heard of Oxford University once in your life. And for many reasons including vast disciplines, It is the oldest university in the world where English is a spoken language and the second oldest globally. Oxford University is the world’s 5th best university for its performance with sciences and medicine as its specialty.  It has countless Instagrammable spots and is a tourist favorite destination due to its modern building style with neoclassical architecture. 

The list of the oldest universities in the world also includes the University of Salamanca, the University of Paris, and the University of Cambridge. To read more interesting blogs, click here.